Dangerous Liaisons: Examining the Connection of Stalking and Gun Threats Among Partner Abuse Victims

Abstract

Little is known about the scope and nature of how guns are used to threaten (ex)partners particularly during periods of stalking, which often occurs after victims leave their abusers. This study examines survey results from over 500 women from across the United States who contacted the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Specifically, this study (a) describes the prevalence and characteristics of partner abuse victims who were and were not stalked and who were and were not threatened with guns, (b) compares types of gun threats experienced by partner abuse victims who were and were not stalked, (c) examines worries about gun threats for those who were and were not stalked among partner abuse victims not threatened with a gun, and (d) assesses factors associated with advice to obtain a gun for personal safety. This article also provides open-ended comments selected to highlight themes from the quantitative information around participant fears and worries about gun threats and stalking. Findings from this study show one-third of the participants had experienced threats with guns, and one-fifth of those without gun threats worried their (ex)partner would harm them with a gun. Furthermore, there was a significant association between stalking and gun threats, as three-fourth of those who were threatened with a gun reported being stalked. Victims who experienced stalking were also more likely to report their (ex)partner threatened others with guns and were more likely to carry a firearm on their body or in their car, which suggests stalkers who threatened with guns may pose a significant risk to public safety. Implications for future research are discussed.

Is Having a Gun for Safety Associated with Feeling Safer, Safety Planning, and More Assertive Responses to Conflict Among Women with Interpersonal Victimization Experiences?

“…Even within the limitations, information from this study may help victim advocates and justice system professionals who work with victims better understand how having a gun for safety fits into someone's overall safety plan. Sometimes victims are advised to get a gun as a safety strategy even when they are extremely uncomfortable with guns (Logan and Lynch 2018;Lynch et al 2019). Research also shows that many women who have experienced partner abuse and stalking do not want guns (Logan and Lynch 2018;Lynch and Logan 2018).…”

“…Sometimes victims are advised to get a gun as a safety strategy even when they are extremely uncomfortable with guns (Logan and Lynch 2018;Lynch et al 2019). Research also shows that many women who have experienced partner abuse and stalking do not want guns (Logan and Lynch 2018;Lynch and Logan 2018). Other times, victims are advised not to get a gun when they seek advice about safety (Logan and Walker 2018;Lynch et al 2019).…”

“…Other times, victims are advised not to get a gun when they seek advice about safety (Logan and Walker 2018;Lynch et al 2019). Yet, there are times, like Tammy Q. did whose story began this article, when women may feel getting a gun is crucial to their safety (Logan and Lynch 2018;Lynch 2019;Lynch and Logan 2018). Denying or dismissing those who fear for their safety who are thinking about getting a gun, or who already have guns, may increase gun risks.…”

“…Sometimes victims may even be advised to obtain a gun for safety. One study found that about one-third of partner abuse victims who had experienced stalking and/or had obtained a protective order had been advised to get a gun for protection (Logan and Lynch 2018). Guns are being marketed to women, and several states have passed legislation to make it easier for victims to carry guns (Zeoli and Bonomi 2015).…”

“…These studies show that access to guns is associated with an increased likelihood of accidental discharges, suicides, and fatalities (Anglemeyer et al 2014;Fowler et al 2017). Furthermore, partner abuse victims worry about guns in the home particularly with regard to the children (Logan and Lynch 2018;Lynch and Logan 2018). In examining whether gun ownership is a good self-defense strategy for women, it is important to look at the role that handgun ownership plays in increased or decreased feelings of vulnerability to threats.…”